Willard James Schneider, of Sherwood Park, Alberta passed away on November 23, 2024 in his home after living a long, meaningful life.
Willard was born in Woodrow, SK on February 5, 1942. He spent most of his childhood and youth in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He married Edythe Benson in 1965 and they had three girls: Melanie (1966), Nicole (1971), and Renae (1973). Willard worked in the life insurance industry for the majority of his working life.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Elsie Schneider; and grandson, Montana McKinley. He is survived by his bride, Edythe Schneider; his children: Melanie (Brad) McCracken, Nicole (Vern) Gunter, and Renae (Jed) Dorsey; grandchildren: Alyssa (John) Fleischer, Jayden Gunter, Ashton McKinley, Jenna Gunter, Shiloh McKinley, Joelle Gunter, Savannah McKinley, Mikayla McKinley, Jillian Gunter, Willow Dorsey; and many beloved family members and friends.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. John 11:25-26.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Willard on Friday, January 17th at 1pm at Bethel Lutheran Church, 298 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park, AB.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Covenant Bay Bible Camp, a very special place to Willard and Edie. Donations can be sent to Box 13, Site 4, RR1 Westerose, AB, T0C 2V0
Service
Celebration of Life
Bethel Lutheran Church
298 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park
January 17, 2025
1:00pm
Doris Severson says
My sympathy to you, Edie and your family. I have great memories of church life in Calgary, especially singing in the choir (some of the time Willard was directing) and I always appreciated his part in a quartet too. God’s peace to the family.
Nicole Gunter says
Thank you, Doris. Here is the live stream of the Celebration of Life if you’d like to watch https://youtube.com/live/t9KFNupx_Uw?feature=share
Dhiraj Lal says
My deepest condolence to the family.
Nicole Gunter says
Thank you Dhiraj, Here is a link for the live stream of the Celebration of Life if you’d like to watch. https://youtube.com/live/t9KFNupx_Uw?feature=share
Shirley Forbes says
Condolences to Edie, and family. I was a client of Willard’s for many years until his retirement. He was always kind, understanding,helpful, and a man of strong faith. He will leave this world a better place by his presence. Take care all
Nicole Gunter says
Thank you so much Shirley, Here is a link for the live stream of the Celebration of Life if you’d like to watch. https://youtube.com/live/t9KFNupx_Uw?feature=share
Nicole (Willards daughter)
Joe and Analee Hooper says
Our deepest condolences to you Edie and family. We have know Willard for over forty years he was such a great friend he went out of his way to meet our needs with many a phone call or visits to my job sites. We talked about his love for Edie and his family and the rest of the world in general. Willard will be missed rip.
Nicole Gunter says
Thank you so much. Here is the live stream of the Celebration of Life if you’d like to watch https://youtube.com/live/t9KFNupx_Uw?feature=share
Marlynn Rey says
Our heartfelt condolences to Edie, Melanie, Nicole and Renae and families. Willard was a special part of my growing up years in the Covenant Church – more like an uncle to me than anything else. I remember his flashy smile and sparkling eyes. He was a steadfast example of faith to me, and the world was a better place because he was in it. May he rest in peace and rise and glory. Blessings,
Marlynn & Claudio Rey
Nicole Gunter says
Thank you so much Marlynn and Claudio, Here is the link for the live stream of the Celebration of Life if you’d like to watch. January 17 at 1 pm https://youtube.com/live/t9KFNupx_Uw?feature=share
Wendy and Todd Sumner says
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of a beautiful man, loving husband, father and grandfather. There is most definitely a Willard size hole in our hearts too as to know Willard was to love him and feel loved by him. How Willard loved each one of us was a gift to us all and a deep loss in our hearts.
Praying Papa God’s love and presence descend on you all in a moving and powerful way as you journey through the physical separation of life without Willard. I believe he is most definitely with us all in spirit and I often can hear his laugh and recall his “Hokey Beans!” expression. Hugs and our love to you all!
Nicole Gunter says
Thanks, Todd and Wendy ❤️
Nicole
Kari and Max Pinno says
Dear Edie, Melanie and family, Nicole and family, and Renae and family…
Though the miles separate us, our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time…We remember Willard…man of God, dear husband…dear Father…beloved grandpa…JOYFUL singer…and a friend to many!
May the Lord bless and keep you in HIS tender care…May HIS face shine upon you and give you HIS PEACE!
Kari and Max Pinno. 🙏❤️
Nicole Gunter says
Thank you Kari and Max, Here is a link for the live stream of the Celebration of Life if you’d like to watch. https://youtube.com/live/t9KFNupx_Uw?feature=share
Del Pease says
Dear Schneider family. We were so saddened to hear of Willard’s passing. Our condolences, love and prayers are with you during this time. My parents loved you both and considered you wonderful friends over the 40 some years of friendship. Willard was an amazing man who loved his family and so many in his circle. He was an incredible example of love and faith in God.
We pray Gods peace for your family. We pray the wonderful memories will give you strength.
Love and prayers
Del and Pat Pease.
Gulnar & Zahir (Zak). Jaffer says
We have just learned today of the passing of Willard. Our deepest condolences to the family for your loss. May your family find comfort , peace and solace with all the good memories you shared during his lifetime. May his beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.
We had a pleasure and trust, guidance and a personable relationship with him in the years that he took care of our family financial aspects.
May the ALMIGHTY GOD bless you all